Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
234 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 196 of 30 September 2004, if the civilianisation of 496 Garda posts approved in 2001 has been carried out in full; the number of civilianisation posts remaining unfilled; the reasons such posts remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23948/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved programme referred to by the Deputy provided for an extensive programme of civilianisation to be introduced on a phased basis over a number of years. In addition to civilianising technical and administrative posts, the programme also provided for the transfer of finance functions from Garda district clerks to civilians, and the subsequent upgrading of the new civilian role to staff officer. The filling of these particular posts is well underway and is now nearing completion.
However, the next phase of civilianisation must be rolled out within the confines of the Government decision of 4 December 2002. This decision places a cap on numbers across the public service. My Department is reviewing the position with both the Department of Finance and Garda management as to how we will proceed further with our civilianisation programme in the context of the overall constraints of public service numbers.
